Oman Daily Observer

New law to end conflict in Mindanao

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MANILA: President Rodrigo Duterte unveiled a law on Monday granting greater autonomy to the Philippine­s’ south, as he expressed hope the measure will at last end decades of bloody separatist conflict.

He delivered his words after handing a symbolic copy of the new law, which he signed last month, to the leader of the country’s largest rebel group.

It was the culminatio­n of a ceremony at the presidenti­al palace in Manila marking the passage of legislatio­n that is a key step to ending one of Asia’s longest and deadliest conflicts.

The measure has been a crucial missing element to a languishin­g peace pact with the MILF which, along with other groups.

“I hope (the law) will finally end the decadesold conflict that is rooted in the Bangsamoro’s fight for self-determinat­ion and the recognitio­n of their unique identity,” Duterte said, referencin­g the region where much of the conflict has raged.

“May this serve as the final trajectory for the attainment of genuine peace, stability (and) good governance in Mindanao,” he added. “Let us work together as we continue the healing and reconcilia­tion process.”

The law enforces a historic but fragile 2014 peace deal where the MILF vowed to give up its quest for an independen­t homeland and lay down its fighters’ weapons in return for self-rule.

Both sides believe creating the area will head off the lure of violent extremism and draw investment­s to a region where brutal poverty and perennial bloodshed has spawned radical armed groups.

The initial peace accord was signed under Duterte’s predecesso­r, Benigno Aquino, but Congress then refused to pass the supporting law.

Rebel factions and militants began pledging allegiance to the IS group soon afterwards and last year attacked the southern city of Marawi sparking a five-month battle that killed 1,200 people and levelled much of the town.

Under the law Duterte signed, a new political entity known as the Bangsamoro would replace the current autonomous region, gaining more power and resources.

It would keep 75 per cent of taxes collected in the area as well as receive an annual fund allocation worth five per cent of national revenues, or about 60 billion pesos ($1.12 million).

 ?? — AFP ?? Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a selfie with women at Malacanang Palace in Manila on Monday after unveiling a law granting greater autonomy to the south.
— AFP Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a selfie with women at Malacanang Palace in Manila on Monday after unveiling a law granting greater autonomy to the south.

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